Glad you joined the best real estate investing website! 

Join FB groups (most not that helpful but good to network)Hope that helps. 

I've learned more particularly through listening to the podcasts than what an operational system could do for me.I also joined a local real estate investment club (Inland Empire Real Estate Investment Club - Riverside, CA) and they just want to help other to success in their real estate investing endeavors, by asking for advice on whatever deal someone is working on.Your best source of help is going to be through joining a local REIA, listening to podcasts and reading books.Have you read @Brandon Turner's book The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down?

If I am in the area in the time you guys are meeting, I'd like to join if possible. 

Glad you joined the best real estate investing website!

Glad you joined the best real estate investing website!

I heard about BiggerPockets through a networking function and thought to join the community.

They usually require some points up front and some closing costs.If you need cash right away because you just happen to come across a great deal, you should find potential partners in your area that would join forces with you. 

I think that would actually be worse than my wife doing the 1031 exchange alone and me joining on the new deed as 20% TIC.

I can't wait to join you in "breaking the ice" with my first property.